Main menu

You are here

2013 Working Lands grants awarded

2013-06-20

MONTPELIER — The state has announced $750,000 in grants as part of its Working Lands Enterprise Initiative. The grants for service providers as well as capital and infrastructure were given as part of the first round of grants in those categories.

The awards include funding for statewide support services to provide technical assistance in the areas of business, market, workforce, infrastructure and professional development for agricultural, forestry and forest product-based businesses.

Grants include $100,000 to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, $40,000 for the UVM Extension Service and $50,000 for Jasper Hill Farm to develop a cheese microbiology laboratory.

“Vermonters are committed to supporting and expanding our value-added farm and forest industries,” Gov. Peter Shumlin said in a news release. “By investing in technical assistance and infrastructure projects these grants will help farmers and those who work our woodlands prosper and grow sustainably for future generations.”

The Working Lands Enterprise Initiative, Act 142, is overseen by the state with a board made up of public- and private-sector members involved in agriculture, forestry and the forest products industries.

Sixteen grantees received awards out of almost 200 initial applicants in the two categories. Recipients are in Washington, Orange, Addison, Franklin, Orleans, Rutland, Windham, Chittenden and Windsor counties.